Own a Gym

What was the catalyst for setting up in a franchise? 

My wife and myself very much wanted to be self employed. Our mind set was about securing a future for ourselves that would best work with our lifestyles. 

Our fitness industry experience was limited to being gym users ourselves, my wife had an administration background and myself a tradesman. It was incredibly important to us to have a strong support network if we were going to push forward with this venture. Given we had no experience we decided it would be a smart business decision to set up a franchise.

How did you manage to finance the investment? 

We made investments in real estate at quite a young age. Having these investments gave us the leverage that we needed for a business loan. We had quite strict budgeting and heavily over compensated for our expenses in the beginning.

How did you come to decide on this brand? 

We did a lot of research into the different franchises available and  Plus Fitness really impressed us. They were the fastest growing 24/7 franchise the market and more importantly they are Australian owned. All of our dealings with the Head office were incredibly positive. Even in the beginning stages of simply enquiring we felt the staff went above and beyond to help us with  all of our queries. They made us feel really comfortable from the get go and in honesty get just got good vibes from Plus Fitness. 

How has the franchisor training helped you in business?

We truly believe our business' wouldn't be operating as successfully as they are if we didn't have the ongoing support and training from Plus Fitness. The training makes life so much easier, there is only so much you can figure out for yourself or how far being efficient will get you. It also made it really smooth with the recruitment of staff.

What’s it like working with your partner?

Working together is great. We have both established our own strengths and weakness' and use this to our full advantage. Based on this we're able to effectively manage our business'. It also so beneficial to be able to share the work load with a like minded person. We're on the same page with managing our clubs but also the broader spectrum of where we want our business' to be.

How do you juggle your work and home life?

Juggling work and home life was a bit of struggle in the beginning. This is purely because your investing so much into this new venture, not just financially but physically and emotionally. Everybody wants to be successful so you pour everything you have into being the best you can. Our first year we had no staff, so we we're doing all the man hours ourselves while trying to mange and market. This is where our support from head office was almost a life line for us.

Being able to take a step back from the daily running of our business' helped us to create that much needed balance. You quickly learn to be incredibly time efficient!

What are your goals for the business and for yourselves?

We want to have 5 by the time we are 30 years old, then we'll stop...maybe. Our business goals are simple. We want our business' to be running smoothly and successfully. We want to have reliable staff who care about the service we provide as much as we do. 

For us personally we want to start thinking about having a family. We still want to be actively involved in our gyms and we will. There is so much flexibility and room to move with the business model. 

When and why did you decide to buy a franchise? 

My first contact with Plus Fitness 24/7 was as a long time member of their health clubs, which have been around for many years and were well known in the Macarthur region. I have spent my career in business banking and was fortunate enough to have Plus Fitness 24/7 as a client when they made the decision to develop the brand as a franchise. It was very exciting seeing the process and watch the company sell it's first franchise, and before I knew it they had sold their 50th and so on. I had a relationship with some of the early franchisees and they had such great things to say about their experiences, I developed a keen interest in the model and contemplated jumping ship many times from business banker to business owner.

Eventually the opportunity arose to buy a Plus Fitness 24/7 franchise in the Penrith with a business partner that was also keen to buy a franchise. This was  just after I had earned my 15 years long service leave from my employer. I thought this was the perfect timing and jumped on the opportunity.

How did you go about researching the brand? 

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to spend a long period of time researching the ins and outs of the brand through being a member and working with the company for a few years. I also took the opportunity to quiz existing franchisees on their experiences with starting a Plus Fitness 24/7 and I took on board a lot of tips and advice throughout this process. The company provided me with a range of tools to conduct my own market research on areas as well as tools to build a reliable cash flow forecast based on the trends and performance of existing franchises in the network. 

What would you do differently in terms of the due diligence process, if anything?

I feel that we comfortably covered off on all the required areas of due diligence.

What was the major reason for you choosing this brand? 

After comparing other franchise brands in the industry, I found that Plus Fitness 24/7 provided a greater level of support in both the establishment of the clubs, providing end to end support throughout the construction and presale right through to follow up support with our own dedicated Franchise Support Manager. On top of this, the entry costs were the most reasonable with greater value for money than other brands.  I was also attracted to the fact that Plus Fitness 24/7 is an Australian Owned & local brand. This has many benefits including the fact that they are aware of and respond to market conditions very quickly, being local and in touch with the market.

How did you fund your franchise investment? 

A part of my franchise investment was funded through my bank on a business loan and I also utilised some savings. The equipment which makes up a large portion of the initial investment was funded on an asset finance facility. Plus Fitness 24/7 has relationships with a number of financiers who know their model, so I found that we had a number of finance options available to me.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a franchisee? 

The biggest lesson I have learned is to build a solid relationship with my franchisor. They have been of great assistance whenever I have needed advice. I have also learned to surround myself with people that have more experience than myself and take their advice and absorb information. I often meet with fellow franchisees for a chat and to share ideas about what is and isn't working so we can learn from each other. There is a really supportive environment between franchisees in the Plus Fitness network.

What has been the biggest challenge as a franchisee?

My biggest challenge came with the fact that I have never before this owned my own business, so I found myself on a steep learning curve in relation to all facets of business, from marketing, to HR to finance. This challenge was alleviated somewhat by having the support of a franchisor. A year and a half in, I can not believe how much I have learned and I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to develop.

What goals have you achieved since being a franchisee?

Being a single parent with 3 young children, my goal was to achieve financial independence, and a greater work/life balance than I had as an employee. The Plus Fitness model has allowed me to achieve this, as they have established the system so that we can easily manage the clubs remotely when needed. I am able to work from home or from the club to fit in with my lifestyle. 

What advice would you offer someone thinking of investing in a franchise business?

As a first time business owner, I feel that buying a franchise was the perfect way to start. When you buy a franchise, you are buying a proven system that already has the hard work of trial and error done and a recognisable brand to offer your customers. You also have the benefit of a support network which you would not have if you went out on your own.

Would you invest in this brand again? 

I would definitely invest in the brand again. The experience has been very positive. In fact, since my purchase of the initial franchise in Penrith 18 months ago, I have since opened 2 more clubs and would consider opening more. 

When and why did you decide to buy a franchise? 

I first purchased the territory in September 2017 after many months of researching a gym franchise model. Why? I have always been a health and fitness ambassador and love the industry, I have a business savvy mind and love a challenge.

How did you go about researching the brand?

I attended the information session with Nigel Miller and from there onwards contacted existing franchisees with a list of questions about the actual day to day running of the club, of all which were more than willing to share and help with my decision. I also enlisted the help and support of our Business Bank Manager, Accountant and Solicitor as to ensure the decision was equitable and of a good solid investment for our portfolio.

I also visited the clubs, mystery shopped and asked friends who are members how they feel about Plus Fitness reputation and branding. This ensured I felt comfortable aligning my personal why and vision to a brand I truly believe in. 

What was the major reason for you choosing this brand?

I see the passion and drive of the owners Nigel and John and how well they are forward thinking and aware of industry trends, their ability to be adaptable to change and willingness to pivot to stay ahead of competition. The brand is fresh and appealing, the gyms are well designed and offer a variety of options for all members. Plus Fitness is a growing brand and has proven itself in its industry position. 

How did you fund your franchise investment?

I funded 50% of the investment via business loan from Westpac and the other 50% from equity in property we own.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a franchisee?

I would certainly have to say.. learning to negotiate hard for a business lease and to really follow your gut instinct when it comes to signing anything. Research your builders and always be prepared with Plan B during all fit out and de-fits. Learn to laugh at the crazy stuff, celebrate the small wins, invest in your staff and love your members.

What has been the biggest challenge as a franchisee?

 Understanding legal jargon, business leases, contracts and how to transform an ex-bank into a gym. Getting to know your numbers and break-even points (thinking like an accountant).

What goals have you achieved since being a franchisee?

Opening a brand new gym on time, within budget with amazing equipment and an awesome team! Beyond Grateful!

What advice would you offer someone thinking of investing in a franchise business?

 If you are looking for a business which provides on-going support with a proven system ready to go, then definitely do it. I have a full time Club Manager who runs the day to day operations and 4 Fitness team members. Invest in your team and be prepared for the daily hustle of driving memberships and listen to and love your current members and you will be successful.

 Would you invest in this brand again?

 Absolutely, I would love to purchase another territory or existing site close by my current location.